Grilled cheese is an elementary dish that most at-home cooks can prepare. But it takes a special touch to transform the familiar comfort food into a must-have menu item. At these restaurants, grilled cheese is more than just cheese and bread — it’s a gourmet treat that’s a must-order no matter the time of day. The warm favorite pairs perfectly with brisk fall weather, especially when the sandwich comes with a side of tomato soup.
Where to Find Gloriously Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in D.C.
A guide to the meltiest, stretchiest handhelds around
Grilled cheese emporiums like downtown’s GCDC and Falls Church’s Spacebar offer a medley of gooey options. Track down local food truck Big Cheese for seasonal specials like blue cheese and fig on multigrain.
Here are 14 grilled cheese sandwiches to track right now.
Where to Find Gloriously Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in D.C.
A guide to the meltiest, stretchiest handhelds around
Grilled cheese is an elementary dish that most at-home cooks can prepare. But it takes a special touch to transform the familiar comfort food into a must-have menu item. At these restaurants, grilled cheese is more than just cheese and bread — it’s a gourmet treat that’s a must-order no matter the time of day. The warm favorite pairs perfectly with brisk fall weather, especially when the sandwich comes with a side of tomato soup.
Grilled cheese emporiums like downtown’s GCDC and Falls Church’s Spacebar offer a medley of gooey options. Track down local food truck Big Cheese for seasonal specials like blue cheese and fig on multigrain.
Here are 14 grilled cheese sandwiches to track right now.
Ted's Bulletin (Multiple locations)
Call it old fashioned, but the tomato soup paired with grilled cheese at homegrown chain Ted’s Bulletin is a match made in heaven. The “deluxe” option folds in braised short rib and mac and cheese ($17.89).
Cork Wine Bar & Market
The wine bar’s relocated 14th Street NW digs has a grilled cheese built with a curated selection of artisanal cheese and tomato-onion jam on award-winning Bread Furst bread ($13).
Stoney's on P St.
This no-frills watering hole has a whole grilled cheese sandwich menu starting at $12 that can be customized to suit just about any taste. One of the most popular versions is the “super grilled cheese” featuring tomato, bacon, and onions on challah. For an even heartier option, the “Boss Hog” piles barbecue pork and gouda between sourdough.
Stoney’s
Quill at The Jefferson
At the Jefferson’s glamorous bar, opt for Gruyere grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup for a simple meal that doesn’t skimp on indulgence.
Immigrant Food at the Planet Word Museum
Immigrant Food just introduced a simple, yet delicious, take on the French classic with Swiss and ham. Guests can ask for the sandwich on naan and choose from additions like cherry tomatoes or bacon to take it up a notch.
Immigrant Food
The Best Sandwich Place
The 9-to-5 set flocks to this Franklin Square cafe to start the day with an under-$5 “TBSP” grilled cheese sandwich until 10:30 a.m. After that, patrons can pick their own cheese to built a melty lunchtime creation on sourdough.
Stable
During brunch, chef David Fritsche’s Swiss-centric menu features fondue grilled cheese on homemade sourdough along with Italian speck, asparagus, and egg ($17).
Tim Ebner/Eater DC
District MeltHouse
The delivery-only ghost kitchen from Clyde’s Restaurant Group lives up to its name with a menu full of melty sandwiches stacked high with all sorts of meats and toppings. The $10 three-cheese order unites cheddar, American and muenster between bread.
GCDC
Downtown diners head to this self-styled “grilled cheese bar” for build-your-own creations and a dizzying list of rotating specials. The decadent Carolina BBQ offers a double dose of dairy via cheddar and mac and cheese, joined by a medley of roast pork, jalapenos, and barbecue sauce on white bread.
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Barmini
José Andrés’ elite cocktail den is best known for its inventive and over-the-top beverages, but there’s also bar bites worth trying too. One upscale snack features rectangular strips of grilled cheese featuring gorgonzola, brie, and white cheddar cooked in truffle butter.
Earl's Sandwiches
Arlington’s longtime sandwich staple markets its grilled cheese to both kids and adults. The $5.99 order showcases cheddar and provolone on grilled sourdough, with the option to add proteins and toppings.
Spacebar
Vegan grilled cheese is an option at this beloved Falls Church eatery, as are dozens of other fillings thanks to the build-your-own menu (starts at $6.50 and increases with each additional topping). Or choose from a dizzying 20 grilled cheese sandwich selections like one stuffed with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and sharp cheddar on rye.
SER Restaurant
Named after the Mediterranean island where Mahón cheese is made, SER’s lunchtime version of the American classic pairs young Mahón, queso style, with brioche bread ($11). Meat eaters can add a salty bite with bacon for a little extra.
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Cheesetique (Multiple locations)
Around since 2004, this Northern Virginia chain prides itself on cooking with cheeses of all shapes and sizes. A crowd-pleasing favorite is the “Sassy Goat,” a grilled cheese sandwich featuring chèvre, bacon, avocado, roasted tomatoes, and garlic aioli. Add its award-winning side of “Mac ‘N Cheesetique” for $6 extra. The Del Ray original is joined by another locale in Shirlington.
Chris Barber/The Washington Post via Getty Images
By Tierney Plumb and Emily Venezky
By Tierney Plumb and Emily Venezky
By Tierney Plumb, Missy Frederick and 1 more
